Former Real Madrid player exiled for fouling Ronaldo speaks out for the first time

A seemingly ordinary moment during training became a regrettable turning point in the career of Manu Hernando – a former center-back developed in Real Madrid's Castilla academy. Because of a tackle on Cristiano Ronaldo, this player paid the price by being excluded from the team for the remainder of the season.

During his peak period at the Bernabeu, Cristiano Ronaldo was considered an "untouchable" name. Similar to Lionel Messi at Barcelona, the physical condition of the Portuguese superstar was absolutely protected.

Players, especially young ones, were always reminded to avoid rough challenges with Ronaldo. Simply because any injury to him could directly affect the ambitions of the entire team.

Despite having no malicious intent, Manu Hernando once violated that rule. The incident occurred in March 2017, when Hernando had just been promoted to train with the first team. Sharing with Cadena SER, the player currently at Racing Santander recalled:

“I accidentally tackled Cristiano. Honestly, I didn't mean to. Ronaldo rushed forward, and I thought I could reach the ball first so I slid in, but Ronaldo was faster and I slid into his leg. At that moment, I thought my career was over.”

Hernando admitted that afterward he was no longer called up to train with the first team. Spanish media at that time spread news that Hernando had been blacklisted by Real Madrid for daring to foul Ronaldo. However, he himself clarified.

“At the end of that season, Ronaldo moved to Juventus and the next season I returned to train with the first team. But then rumors like 'the young player ruined his own career' appeared, and I just thought: 'This is being blown out of proportion.'”

Real Madrid's coaching staff considered including Hernando in the first-team squad. However, an injury during the 2018 preseason caused him to miss the chance to compete for a playing spot. Hernando later left Real Madrid in 2021 and now plays in the Spanish second division for Racing Santander.

Despite having an "accidental" moment with Ronaldo, Hernando still considers his time at Real Madrid a special experience. He had the opportunity to train under coach Zinedine Zidane and alongside the "Galacticos."

“When you're there, you don't realize how special it is. But after leaving and looking back, I understood it was a very significant thing in my career.”